As an adamant fan of the Buckeyes, I’m still extremely upset at the loss to Wichita State. In order to cope with this loss and utter depression, I decided to stop grieving and look ahead to the next season.

First things first, let’s talk Deshaun Thomas. Thomas has decided to forego his senior year and make the jump to the NBA Draft. Buckeye fans everywhere will say that this is such a huge blow to the team and that losing Thomas is a detrimental loss. My opinion? So what?

Yes, Thomas was the B1G Ten’s leading scorer, and yes he was consistent in the half court offense and able to knock down threes. That will be missed, you’re right. Let’s not forget about Thomas’s many, MANY, downsides.

Let’s discuss his lack of interest on defense. Ohio State was consistently one of the best defensive teams in the country this year, led by Aaron Craft, one of the best defenders in the country.

Let’s also discuss his horrific, horrendous, horrible (insert another word that starts with ‘Horr’ here) shot selection. Thomas took down right ignorant shots in his time as a Buckeye. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge advocate for “take shots to make shots” and ” the only way out of a shooting slump is to keep shooting,” but there comes a time when you have to realize you’re just struggling.

You might respond to that with, “well if Thomas isn’t scoring who will? It sure isn’t Aaron Craft!” My response to that, you’re damn right it won’t be Aaron Craft.

LaQuinton Ross and Shannon Scott came into their own in their sophomore years, and I honestly can’t wait to see what they can do next year with more practice and experience. Were they a bit streaky? Yes. Inconsistent? Hell yes. Will they improve and be leaders on an experienced team next year? Double hell yes.

Next on the list is the low post, the only area I’m worried about for Ohio State. Losing Evan Ravenel will be a bigger deal than most people think. Now, Amir Williams will have to find a time machine and figure out how to perform like he did when he was a McDonald’s All-American, because he sure as hell isn’t playing like one these days.

Williams missed easy shots from the paint, committed stupid fouls, and got beat on the low block way more often than he should have. If the Buckeye’s are going to be successful, he’s going to need to step up and play like Buckeye fans everywhere had originally hoped.

All in all, I’m confident in the Buckeye’s next year. Coach Thad Matta recruits like a mad man, and will get the right players to fill the right positions. With Ross and Scott returning, alongside team leader Craft, it’ll be a good year to be a Buckeye in 2013.